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evilqueenreads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
turtleberry's review against another edition
5.0
Billie was Andrew's whore. She got pregnant and wasn't sure who the child's father was until her son was born and he had the same birthmark that Andrew had. To get away from a dangerous man, Billie made her way to Andrew's family home with her son. Her plan was to leave her son with Andrew and the go East. Instead she and Andrew get married at the request of his mother.
Billie was a force. She and Andrew were already in love but the nature of their past relationship wouldn't allow such feelings to be expressed. Their forced marriage had a bumpy start but got much better with time.
I enjoyed this story a lot. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Billie was a force. She and Andrew were already in love but the nature of their past relationship wouldn't allow such feelings to be expressed. Their forced marriage had a bumpy start but got much better with time.
I enjoyed this story a lot. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
ana27734's review
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
ihateprozac's review
4.0
This had so much action and drama and I was living for every second of it! It’s a lot edgier than Beverly Jenkins’ books typically are, and it was a breath of fresh air.
Billie is such a feisty kickass woman who owns her profession as a sex worker, and doesn’t give a fuck what any snooty high society ladies think of it. She’s such a queen and I desperately need to read more HR heroines like her!
I really appreciated that Drew came from a different cultural and socioeconomic background than Billie; it was a joy getting to explore the ranch and their Latinx community! The novel still explores racism and social issues of the time, but this novel focused heavily on Mexican land rights, Drew’s race, as well as the stigma involved in being a sex worker at the time.
I honestly wasn’t sure how Billie and Drew could reconcile after the initial baby shock and subsequent fight, because Drew was a DICK. But the two of them communicated openly and honestly, and both tried to learn and better themselves in different ways. We didn’t have to spend the whole book watching Drew grovel for being an asshole, which was lowkey refreshing. (There was enough going on with the rest of the plot that kept me stressed)
This book was a lot darker than the other Beverly Jenkins’ novels I’ve read, and I was so entertained by the murder/abduction plot! The villain is VILE and the cat & mouse game added a really fun element. I also loved the dashes of occult! As much as I love how comforting and sweet Beverly Jenkins’ romances are, turns out she’s just as good at executing an action plot.
And that ending had me wanting to pick up Noah’s book immediately
Billie is such a feisty kickass woman who owns her profession as a sex worker, and doesn’t give a fuck what any snooty high society ladies think of it. She’s such a queen and I desperately need to read more HR heroines like her!
I really appreciated that Drew came from a different cultural and socioeconomic background than Billie; it was a joy getting to explore the ranch and their Latinx community! The novel still explores racism and social issues of the time, but this novel focused heavily on Mexican land rights, Drew’s race, as well as the stigma involved in being a sex worker at the time.
I honestly wasn’t sure how Billie and Drew could reconcile after the initial baby shock and subsequent fight, because Drew was a DICK. But the two of them communicated openly and honestly, and both tried to learn and better themselves in different ways. We didn’t have to spend the whole book watching Drew grovel for being an asshole, which was lowkey refreshing. (There was enough going on with the rest of the plot that kept me stressed)
This book was a lot darker than the other Beverly Jenkins’ novels I’ve read, and I was so entertained by the murder/abduction plot! The villain is VILE and the cat & mouse game added a really fun element. I also loved the dashes of occult! As much as I love how comforting and sweet Beverly Jenkins’ romances are, turns out she’s just as good at executing an action plot.
And that ending had me wanting to pick up Noah’s book immediately
booksreadbydeepti's review
4.0
In my words it is "Another bittersweet & murder salty romance", haha, i know confusing, but u can get the gist in them :)
& this book has the smoothness too, but those elements described above dominated the story.
Had read it first :)
& this book has the smoothness too, but those elements described above dominated the story.
Had read it first :)
frenchpb's review
4.0
What a whirlwind of an experience! Sex worker Billy finds herself pregnant, which starts this jaw dropping journey to mother hood, romance, and a little bit of danger. Her favorite customer, Drew, has always spoiled Billy. After a long stint away, Drew returns to find Billy gone from the saloon. He searches to find he but she didn’t want to be found. Her disappearance from the saloon triggers feelings for Billy that Drew didn’t know he had. Alas, their paths will cross again in a very unexpected way.
What I appreciate so much about Jenkins’ historical romance is her intentional research to paint a holistic, authentic, and revisionist perspective of the past. She integrates key elements of history (eg the Hildago Act), diversity of communities, and realistic experiences. It really helps get lost in the story but gives such rich context. I love it!
She also portrays strong willed female characters. Billy is no exception. She’s shameless, tenacious, honest, fearless, and has a strong sense of self. She doesn’t hide her past just because of her sex work. It’s a reality for her.
Jenkins side steps traditional damsel in distress storylines and portrays women as capable and courageous. Billie is no exception.
Plot critique:
I think the declarations love seemed a little too rushed for me. But I understand the need due to the plot development with the antagonist, Prince.
What I appreciate so much about Jenkins’ historical romance is her intentional research to paint a holistic, authentic, and revisionist perspective of the past. She integrates key elements of history (eg the Hildago Act), diversity of communities, and realistic experiences. It really helps get lost in the story but gives such rich context. I love it!
She also portrays strong willed female characters. Billy is no exception. She’s shameless, tenacious, honest, fearless, and has a strong sense of self. She doesn’t hide her past just because of her sex work. It’s a reality for her.
Jenkins side steps traditional damsel in distress storylines and portrays women as capable and courageous. Billie is no exception.
Plot critique:
I think the declarations love seemed a little too rushed for me. But I understand the need due to the plot development with the antagonist, Prince.
smithrachaelynn's review against another edition
4.0
Things I liked:
- I loved Billie’s honesty and bluntness so much! There was no silly miscommunication with her around.
- Tonio was so adorable. I loved seeing his bond with Billie and also how he won over everyone around him.
- Drew’s family was so incredible. I loved his mother and getting to see her finally be happy with Max. Her strength was really admirable.
Things I didn’t like:
- Drew was an interesting character and there were things about him that I liked. But I struggled with his initial reaction to Billie & Tonio. He acted so poorly. And even before that
he left Billie behind because she was a whore. That’s probably more historically realistic, but it didn’t sit right with me.
annie13's review
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.25
sailormood's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0